Toronto breaks ground on 1,500-unit major transit-oriented housing project

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

Toronto has broken ground on a new mixed-use, transit-oriented housing development next to the TTC’s Wilson Station. The project, which will be built on a former commuter parking lot at 50 Wilson Heights Blvd., will deliver 1,484 new homes, including 520 affordable rental units.

The development is part of the Housing Now initiative, a key component of the HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan and will be developed in partnership with CreateTO, a city agency that oversees the development of city-owned lands, and a consortium of private developers including Tridel, Greenwin, and KingSett Capital.

The site will also include a childcare centre, public park, community spaces, retail units, and a new public road. To support climate goals, the development will incorporate sustainable design elements, including geothermal energy systems, and will meet the Toronto Green Standard.

“This transit-oriented community brings together all the elements that families need to thrive – affordable housing, accessible transit, green spaces, and community services,” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “I’m thrilled to see this project take flight and grateful to everyone who has contributed to making it a reality.”

Construction will be completed in phases, with affordable and market rental homes expected to begin in spring 2025 and be completed by early 2029.

Housing Now, part of the City’s broader HousingTO Plan, aims to create 65,000 new rent-controlled homes by 2030, including 41,000 affordable rental units, as part of a citywide effort to address the housing affordability crisis.

“By transforming this underutilized site into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood, we are creating much-needed housing while also providing essential services and amenities that will serve the community for years to come,” said Vic Gupta, CEO of CreateTO.

The development is expected to set a new standard for sustainable, transit-oriented urban living, and will serve as a model for future projects across the city.

“We are proud to be part of a project that combines affordable housing with community-focused design and environmentally friendly technologies,” said Kevin Green, president and CEO of Greenwin. “This project reflects our commitment to building inclusive, connected, and sustainable neighborhoods that will benefit Torontonians for generations.”

City ocuncil has allocated more than 20 City-owned properties to the program, with construction already underway on several other sites, including 5207 Dundas St. W.

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